Following Ryan Sidebottom’s departure from The Yorkshire County Cricket Club, the Junior Vikings section of the Club have been on the lookout for a new President for the forthcoming 2004 season.

Many candidates were considered before it was decided that fast-bowler Steve Kirby was the most suitable player for the role.

Kirby, 26 is always on hand to help with school visits and children’s parties and on his appointment he commented, “ It is a great honour for me to be asked to be President of the Junior Vikings and to be able to give something back to the kids who come to Headingley to support me and the other lads.”

The Junior Vikings currently has nearly 600 members and are now recruiting for the 2004 season. Membership is only £20, which includes a goody bag containing ruler/calculator, baseball cap and t-shirt. Admission to all home Yorkshire Matches plus opportunities for meeting the players and attending parties, such as the recent Halloween party in the Cricket Centre.